Continuously driving changes in North Korean society despite
surveillance and control by the North Korean authorities
Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attends and gives a lecture at the
New Year’s greeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council
(January 24)
On January 24, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attended the New
Year’s greeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council and gave
a lecture on “The Realities of the North Korean Economy and Society
and Recent Conditions on the Korean Peninsula.”
The event was attended by around 400 executive advisors in the Seoul
area, including Executive Vice-chairperson Kim Kwan-yong.
Minister Kim explained the realities of the North Korean economy and
society based on the Status Report on North Korean Economy and Society.
Specifically, the minister mentioned that despite the North Korean
authorities strengthening surveillance and control over their
residents, including the enactment of the Anti-Reactionary Thought
Law, there has been a recent increase in the influx of Hallyu into
North Korea, with “growing reluctance towards collectivism and an
inclination towards individualism among North Korean residents.”
Moreover, Minister Kim said that he is closely monitoring the recent
situation on the Korean Peninsula, and will “respond firmly to
provocations posed by North Korea and at the same time address the
situation to prevent heightened public anxiety.”
Emphasizing the idea of a “unified Korean Peninsula that is free and
at peace” as outlined in the Camp David declaration issued by the
leaders of the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan,
Minister Kim urged the advisory council members to play a role in
expanding the understanding of the matter.
